The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1887-05-27

that time his friends had often felt
alarm at his mental weakness and
had tried in every way to cheer and
encourage him, knowing that with
his knowledge of law-having been
admitted to the bar--hc could com.
maad fair proportion of practice,
as in every way he was acknowledged
by all TO be conscientious, impair
tial defender of the law His NOR
bid sensitiveness was his greatest
fault, or misfortune as il has proven,
since 1t led him into the erroneous
idea that in losing his Office of justice
he mad also lost the confidence of
the people.
MIR. Taylor was born in Springfield,
Mass, June 20, 1883, and came to
Owosso in 1856, was married to
Louise Sly, July, 1861, and with the
exception Of one year spent in St.
Charles has been engaged in bust
ness in this city since Sc. In 1871
he was elected justice of the peace.
serving the people faithfully for 16
years. He has also held the position
of councilman and mayor Of the city,
and in many ways has occupied posi-
tons of trust. Particularly among
the Masonic fraternity has his integ-
rity been tested, having been the sec
rotary for Blue lodge and Chapter for
number of years.
Although never communicate,
Mr.. Taylor has always been regular
attendant and supporter of the Epis-
copal church, and under the teaching
of the Rev. Mr.. Walton had become
particularly interested and manifested
marked change in his church rela-
tons. Like other men he had his
weak as well as his strong points of
character, all Of which were brought
into prominence during his public
life, but in accordance with the prin.
cipes of true Masonry, which he up
held and cherished, we would say,
"Let the mantle of charity cover all
his faults, foibles and errors" and re
member only his many virtues. M.
The above was written for the
Press by an intimate friend of the
family. Upon finding the body Cor
ner Retain was at once notified and
impaneled the following jury to view
the remains: G.. W. Loring, G.. 7.
Begole, F. b. Gates, r. Campbell, N.
Janette and L. S. Morton; the inquest
was held in the afternoon and after
listening to the testimony of the wit.
nesses the jury returned verdict of
suicide" Near the body was found
broken bottle labeled "audanum,"
which is probably the poison used to
destroy his life. The letter written
to his wife explained all his business
affairs, etc., and was written on
Thursday. He also left a letter TO
Chas. Cossitt and Frank Ever, COLI
corning the business of the Masonic
lodges.
Mr.. Taylor carried $4,000 life
insurance-S2. 900 in the United
Workmen, $1,000 in the Masonic
Mutual and 5000 in an eastern COM
pany.
The funeral services were held at
a p. m. Tuesday at the Episcopal
church, and were attended by the
Masonic fraternity, the city officers
and ex-Mayors in body, and large
number of friends.
AT special communication of
Owosso lodge No. 81 F. & A. NJ,
May a4th, 1887. the following reso-
lutions were adopted:
WHEREAS, Death, the great leveler
Of all human distinction, has removed
from our midst, our worthy and
efficient secretary, Brother Benjamin
f. Taylor; and
WHEREAS, We will no more receive
from him that wise counsel which has
always been of great benefit to us as
a lodge, which he SO fondly loved;
therefore be it
Resoiped, That this lodge has lest
an honored member, faithful and
efficient secretary, his family kind
and indulgent husband and father,
this city faithful and conscientious
officer, the community an honored
and beloved citizen whose death. we
all mourn.
.Rssoiped, That we tender 10 bis
bereaved and sorrowing family our
our most heartfelt sympathy in this,
their sad affection, and recommend
them to that God who is the widows
and orphans friend
Resoi,ed, That this lodge be draped
in mourning for the space of sixty
days as mark of our respect for him
as man and Mason, as well as a
faithful officer.
Resol0ed, That page of the lodge
journal be dedicated to his memory
and these resolutions spread thereon.
ResolUed, That copy of these
resolutions with the lodge seal at